TAMPA — As gas prices approach $4 a gallon, officials planning a regional mass transit network heard from a pollster Friday that locals are increasingly receptive to the idea of better transit, including rail.

• 20 percent said high taxes are the No. 1 local issue. But 68 percent believe improving transportation is a "good use" of taxpayer dollars.

TBARTA's board is comprised of big-city mayors, county commissioners and governor appointees. Members are working with state officials on a mass transit plan that probably will call for light rail in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. So far, it's held nearly 90 community meetings to hear public opinion and will hold more in July and August.

Planning consultant John Fregonese told TBARTA's board that demographic trends will feed the need for transit.

More people ages 55 and older and 15 to 34 won't be looking for two-bedroom, single-family homes. Instead, he said, they'll want condos or apartments and access to mass transit.